“Optometrists in Tamil Nadu Lead ‘Love Your Eyes at Work’ Walkathon to Raise Awareness on World Sight Day 2023
World Sight Day (WSD), observed globally on October 12th, is dedicated to promoting eye health and preventing blindness. WSD 2023’s theme, “Love Your Eyes At Work,” is courtesy of the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB).
In commemoration of WSD 2023, OATN organised a “Love Your Eyes at Work” Walkathon on Sunday, October 15, 2023. The event was aimed to educate the public about the significance of maintaining healthy eyes, safeguarding vision in the workplace against accidental injuries, and their potential impact on overall well-being and work productivity. The campaign also highlighted the importance of employers prioritizing the eye health of their workforce to enhance productivity.
The OATN WSD Walkathon commenced at 7.30 am on Race Course Road, Zone 1, Coimbatore. The event kicked off with a welcome address by Optom. Preetha Ramprasat, President of OATN.
The Walkathon was inaugurated and flagged off by Chief Guest Mr. G. Chandeesh IPS, Deputy Commissioner of Police – Law & Order, Coimbatore City North, and Guest of Honour Dr. Madhusudan, Medical Director at Lotus Eye Hospital.
Approximately 400 optometrists and optometry students from 10 colleges in the Coimbatore zone participated in the 2.4 km walk, carrying posters on eye care awareness messages.
The event was overseen by Optom. Arul T.P., Organizing Chairman, and Optom.R Kumaran, Chief Advisor and Founder General Secretary. Optom. D. Samuel Vijay, Vice President of OATN, delivered the Vote of Thanks.
Globally, approximately 2.2 billion individuals grapple with vision impairment, with refractive errors and cataracts standing out as leading culprits, according to the latest data. Timely detection and management could prevent vision impairment in at least half of these cases. Other contributing factors include age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, eye infections, and injuries.
The repercussions of reduced eyesight are profound, encompassing personal and economic aspects. In India, uncorrected refractive errors and cataracts result in a staggering productivity loss of 650 crores. Myopia (shortsightedness) in children can negatively impact educational achievement, while adults with uncorrected vision may suffer from decreased productivity, work participation, and heightened depression rates.
To address these challenges, Optometrists are at the forefront of eye care. These healthcare professionals conduct comprehensive eye check-ups, prescribe corrective eyewear, detect and manage eye diseases, and offer rehabilitation for individuals who have lost their vision due to eye problems.
The Optometric Association of Tamil Nanbargal (OATN), established in 2012 and registered under the Societies Act, represents approximately 2,500 qualified Optometrists in Tamil Nadu &Puducherry. OATN actively works to raise awareness about eye issues, emphasize the importance of regular eye examinations, and advocate early intervention for children and the elderly. Their efforts span various settings, including eye clinics, hospitals, colleges, and research institutes.
OATN will conduct eye health screening camps for children and the elderly in various cities across Tamil Nadu during October 2023, providing the public with essential eye care tips and information on occupational safety measures.
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